Snow-white cubes and
cupolas, archways, and
stair-step streets-towns
of the Aegean isles reflect
a sameness while retaining
their individuality.
Modern architects talk
of the revolutionary con
cept of living accommoda
tions above highways-a
centuries-old practice in
the Aegean isles. Here, in
the old section of Naxos,
a narrow street underlies a
house (right).
On Milos, evening tints
the white of day to soft
blue (above). Flat roofs
offer work and lounging
space, and even serve as
footpaths to other houses.
A more vibrant blue
- disconcerting
to eyes
accustomed to the white of
island towns-attests to
the Greek love of freedom.
The people of Kalimnos
(near right) painted many
houses blue during the
Italian occupation, to re
mind the unwelcome resi
dents of the blue-and
white Greek flag.
Walls, terraces, and zig
zagging stairways inter
lock and buttress each
building on Thera (facing
page), an island often
racked by earthquake.
National Geographic,August 1972
182